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Cook Costello Whangarei, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
• Cook Costello is a multidisciplinary company – Engineers - civil (12d), geotech, structural
– Architects (ArchiCAD)
– Surveyors (12d)
• Previously poor software communication between 12d and ArchiCAD
Creating a better workflow between
Engineers, Architects, Surveyors
• 12d to ArchiCAD (IFC Files) – STEP 1: Export IFC file from 12d
– STEP 2: Import IFC file into ArchiCAD
– STEP 3: Export CAD 2D strings and import into ArchiCAD
• ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files) – STEP 4: Export CAD file from ArchiCAD in meters and import into 12d
– STEP 5: Export 3DS file from ArchiCAD and convert to FBX file
– STEP 6: Import & Helmert FBX file in 12d
12d to ArchiCAD (IFC Files)
• STEP 1: Export IFC file from 12d
– Export IFC file of natural or
design surface
– (File \ Data Output \ IFC \ IFC
express writer)
– If exporting a supertin you will
need to create a single tin of it
(export triangles of supertin
and reimport into 12d & create
tin)
12d to ArchiCAD (IFC Files)
• STEP 2: Import IFC file into ArchiCAD
– File \ File Special \ Merge (Select IFC file and
paste at 0,0,0)
– Create a mesh (solid mass) in ArchiCAD & trim your mesh to the imported IFC object. The mesh can then be manipulated as much as the architect requires ie model in foundations etc.
– Complete this process over & over. The IFC file will import in the same location so any changes to the civil design can easily be reimported into ArchiCAD.
12d to ArchiCAD (IFC Files)
• STEP 3: Export CAD 2D strings
and import into ArchiCAD
– Export CAD 2D string lines from 12d
– Import CAD 2D strings into ArchiCAD at
0,0 for architect to create surface mesh
(hatching) of areas for visualisation in
ArchiCAD
12d to ArchiCAD (IFC Files)
– Architect can design buildings in correct
coordinates & elevations for later export
into 12d for setout or visualisation
12d to ArchiCAD (IFC Files)
• Visualisation of Marae Site in ArchiCAD
12d to ArchiCAD (IFC Files)
• Visualisation of Marae Site in ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
• STEP 4: Export CAD file from ArchiCAD in meters and import in 12d
– Strings will be in
correct coordinates.
– Heights will need to
be added.
– This example shows
the building pads.
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
• STEP 5: Export 3DS file from ArchiCAD and convert to FBX file
– Export 3DS file from ArchiCAD of any
building you want to import into 12d
– Convert 3DS file to FBX file. Software such
as Autodesk FBX Converter will achieve
this.
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
• STEP 6: Import & Helmert FBX File
in 12d
– Import FBX Files into 12d
Food Hall
Marae
Museum
Toilet Block
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
– 3D Helmert Flip
Note: if data disappears you may need to Calc View Extents
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
– 3D Helmert to correct location on site
Note: Once 3D Helmert is setup for job you can complete process over & over
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
– Turn trimesh on in
Perspective View
– Get creative with
visualisation
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
Another Example: Botany house imported into 12d
Useful for:
ArchiCAD to 12d (FBX Files)
• Planning
• Visualising
• Design
• Quality control
• Survey setout
• Marketing etc.
Useful for:
Another Example: Botany house imported into 12d
